How It Works
Chromium potentiates the biological actions of insulin, a hormone that is critical for the normal regulation of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Evidence of chromium’s role was first suggested in 1957 when a “glucose tolerance factor” (GTF), found in brewer’s yeast, prevented an age-related decline of glucose tolerance in rats. Chromium III was identified shortly after as the active ingredient of GTF.
Chromium was declared an essential nutrient in 1977 after significant elevations in blood sugar levels were first observed in a hospitalized patient receiving total parenteral nutrition devoid of chromium (Food & Nutrition Board, 2001; Jeejeebhoy et al, 1977). Blood sugar levels returned to normal after the addition of chromium to her diet.
More recently, studies have begun to reveal the mechanism of chromium’s actions. Research has suggested that after chromium is absorbed into the body, the chromium ions bind to an oligopeptide in order to become biologically active. The chromium-bound peptide complex then binds to the insulin-receptor and increases the activity of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, thereby amplifying insulin action; chromium also has been shown to stimulate intracellular activity leading to enhanced glucose uptake in muscle cells.
Recent reports suggest that chromium increases insulin receptor number, enhances GLUT 4 translocation, insulin receptor substrate levels, PI3 kinase expression and Akt phosphorylative activity.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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